Predictions of when international flights may resume/bans lifted

[HappyFlyerFamily]

But I don’t think streamlined renewal of Aussie passport applies where it’s expired by 3 years or more

 

[hb13]

So it seems like the government is in discussions with other nations about vaccine passports, according to Executive Traveller: PM flags 'vaccine passport' for international travel

The one question I would have is if all Australians are fully vaccinated by October (for all who accept to get vaccinated), does this mean someone coming from the UK or US who has been fully vaccinated can travel to the country without any restrictions (quarantine free, with no requirements for Covid testing)?

If restriction free travel is allowed (for fully vaccinated pax), does anyone here believe this may occur by year's end? And fyi I'm specifically asking for those of us from countries with high numbers (UK, US, Europe).

 

[HappyFlyerFamily]

So it seems like the government is in discussions with other nations about vaccine passports, according to Executive Traveller: PM flags 'vaccine passport' for international travel

The one question I would have is if all Australians are fully vaccinated by October (for all who accept to get vaccinated), does this mean someone coming from the UK or US who has been fully vaccinated can travel to the country without any restrictions (quarantine free, with no requirements for Covid testing)?

If restriction free travel is allowed (for fully vaccinated pax), does anyone here believe this may occur by year's end? And fyi I'm specifically asking for those of us from countries with high numbers (UK, US, Europe).

It will probably be G20 plus a few others.

 

[Flashback]

Victoria has no chance if they're relying on Microsoft systems to manage the vaccine rollout

Victoria taps Microsoft for vaccine distribution platform

Enters $6m contract.

www.itnews.com.au

 

[mviy]

If restriction free travel is allowed (for fully vaccinated pax), does anyone here believe this may occur by year's end? And fyi I'm specifically asking for those of us from countries with high numbers (UK, US, Europe).

A lot depends on what effect any new strains have on those who have been vaccinated. If it's clear that vaccinated people won't get hospitalised or die if they catch new strains out there then borders reopening to vaccinated travellers is far more likely.

However, it could be that only some vaccines are deemed to provide sufficient protection to permit travel.

It's also possible that there could be something in-between e.g. hotel quarantine could still be required, however if all passengers and crew on the flight test negative then vaccinated travellers could be allowed to leave quarantine.

A lot can happen between now and then.

I have family who would normally travel to Australia for a visit of less than a week, so hotel quarantine for more than a day or so would make those trips unworkable.

 

[dajop]

It will probably be G20 plus a few others.

Do you mean G20 or OECD? I'm sure there'll still be questions about Argentina, Brazil, India, Indonesia, and Mexico, and possibly even Russia and South Africa.

 

[HappyFlyerFamily]

Do you mean G20 or OECD? I'm sure there'll still be questions about Argentina, Brazil, India, Indonesia, and Mexico, and possibly even Russia and South Africa.

You’re right OECD looks a more promising starting list and on the proviso of having vaccination records.

 

[Port Power]

So it seems like the government is in discussions with other nations about vaccine passports, according to Executive Traveller: PM flags 'vaccine passport' for international travel

The one question I would have is if all Australians are fully vaccinated by October (for all who accept to get vaccinated), does this mean someone coming from the UK or US who has been fully vaccinated can travel to the country without any restrictions (quarantine free, with no requirements for Covid testing)?

If restriction free travel is allowed (for fully vaccinated pax), does anyone here believe this may occur by year's end? And fyi I'm specifically asking for those of us from countries with high numbers (UK, US, Europe).

I am booked on a small ship cruise later this year from Fremantle to Melbourne, with NYE in Sydney. There are already Canadians and Brits booked on it, as well as the previous Singapore to Fremantle leg. These travellers obviously think that vaccination will equate to open borders, but I am really doubtful. Our CHOs haven’t ruled that far as yet and people might still require quarantining. I

I am in the camp of not booking international travel until things are up and running. There might be some disappointed non-visitors in December. (And no refunds due to COVID.)

 

[Pushka]

I am booked on a small ship cruise later this year from Fremantle to Melbourne, with NYE in Sydney. There are already Canadians and Brits booked on it, as well as the previous Singapore to Fremantle leg. These travellers obviously think that vaccination will equate to open borders, but I am really doubtful. Our CHOs haven’t ruled that far as yet and people might still require quarantining. I

I am in the camp of not booking international travel until things are up and running. There might be some disappointed non-visitors in December. (And no refunds due to COVID.)

I can't see non Australians not already living in Australia getting on that ship in 2021.

 

[Port Power]

I can't see non Australians not already living in Australia getting on that ship in 2021.

My thoughts exactly!

 

[oznflfan]

I can't see non Australians not already living in Australia getting on that ship in 2021.

Probably not, but you never know. Scomo is saying all the right things about how vaccinations will change risk factor and speaking to neighbouring countries, BUT he is a politician and master spin doctor.

 

[Pushka]

My thoughts exactly!

Might be a rather nice trip then

 

[jb747]

Victoria has no chance if they're relying on Microsoft systems to manage the vaccine rollout

Perhaps Facebook would like to do it.

Given Victoria’s software history, I’d consider Microsoft a huge step up. Otherwise, it might have been the myki mob.

 

[Pom-DownUnder]

listening to this infuriates me

(bear in mind i am happy to get the vaccine and will get it as soon as i am able)

but the NSW Premier, saying we want to incentivise people to get the vaccine and not punish those that dont want to
followed by - for eg like the ability to travel internationally

so they see the right to travel as a privilege and not a right of their citizens.

disgusting.

 

[serfty]

...
Worth noting that it is not difficult to renew one that is a couple of years expired, so I wouldn't bother until they become useful again.

Agreed, renewing a passport seems to be the same process as getting a new one.
...

But I don’t think streamlined renewal of Aussie passport applies where it’s expired by 3 years or more

Yep, it's as easy to get a new passport using a less than three year expired passport as it is using a currently valid one.

Once more than 36 months expired, then it's the full process ....

 

[MEL_Traveller]

listening to this infuriates me

(bear in mind i am happy to get the vaccine and will get it as soon as i am able)

but the NSW Premier, saying we want to incentivise people to get the vaccine and not punish those that dont want to
followed by - for eg like the ability to travel internationally

so they see the right to travel as a privilege and not a right of their citizens.

disgusting.

I think this might have been an answer on the hop rather than 'considered'.

Any ban on Australians leaving would need to be made in a lawful manner... most likely under the Biosecurity Act. That Act probably won't allow for a ban on Aussies leaving once the vaccine has been rolled out to all those who want it. It might however provide for hotel or government controlled quarantine on return to Australia for those choosing not to vaccinate. So there's a potential incentive there of $3000. Those vaccinated might be either exempt, or allowed to quarantine at home.

The other issue or incentive is that while Australia might not ban travel ex Australia, every other country will likely ban entry or transit for non-citizens who are not vaccinated. For dual citizens this could add considerable cost if they can only take non-stop flights, and could also incur quarantine costs on arrival. For all others this would essentially stop them leaving in the first place.

Certainly the presser looks promising in terms of borders opening later this year... perhaps they are working to the September/October date (which fits with a potential election and the expiry of the emergency provisions under the Biosecurity Act around mid September, assuming it will be extended in March and June).

 

[zenyattamondatta]

every other country will likely ban entry or transit for non-citizens who are not vaccinated

LOL. I believe you may be projecting somewhat.

 

[mviy]

Any ban on Australians leaving would need to be made in a lawful manner... most likely under the Biosecurity Act. That Act probably won't allow for a ban on Aussies leaving once the vaccine has been rolled out to all those who want it. It might however provide for hotel or government controlled quarantine on return to Australia for those choosing not to vaccinate.

I think it's likely that at least initially hotel quarantine until testing negative will be required for those who are vaccinated. It could be that for early release from hotel quarantine for vaccinated travellers that everyone on the plane needs to test negative. It could be that the full 14 days will be required but those who are not vaccinated and refuse vaccination could face an extended stay beyond the 14 days. Not needing to pay for e.g. an extra week or two of quarantine, would be a significant incentive to get vaccinated.

 

[oznflfan]

I think it's likely that at least initially hotel quarantine until testing negative will be required for those who are vaccinated. It could be that for early release from hotel quarantine for vaccinated travellers that everyone on the plane needs to test negative. It could be that the full 14 days will be required but those who are not vaccinated and refuse vaccination could face an extended stay beyond the 14 days. Not needing to pay for e.g. an extra week or two of quarantine, would be a significant incentive to get vaccinated.

Issue with that scenario is capacity. I don't know current HQ room numbers, but allowing Aussie's out, then on return quarantining, even just for 24 hours to negative test result would require maybe 10 time the HQ rooms. Do you need a booking prior to leaving, but every room would have to allow potentially 14 days just in case you test positive. Couldn't ever work.

 

[mviy]

Well I doubt it'll suddenly snap from current restrictions to completely open borders to vaccinated travellers. There will have to be some kind of transition. They will want to see that gradually relaxing restrictions doesn't result in sudden big outbreaks and to get those stranded overseas home before letting people leave.

Another possibility is that even though it's not as accurate it's possible they could rely on temperature checks and rapid tests for vaccinated travellers and view that the few they miss is an acceptable risk. Those without a temperature and who test negative to the rapid test quarantine at home until the more reliable test result comes back negative 24 hours or so later with random spot checks to check for compliance.